North Berwick debates zoning rules to let Hannaford build supermarket

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — A public hearing last week brought much heated discussion on proposed zoning ordinances to allow a Hannaford supermarket in this rural town.

The public spoke loudly and strongly, mostly in agreement, on protecting their small historic town. A letter from Darren Szczechowicz, who lives on Route 4, was read. The letter claimed the zoning proposal would change surrounding property from residential to commercial and has the potential to destroy property values.

“This would open up the possibility of any commercial business across the street from my family’s home. Instead of the beautiful view of well cared for homes and trees, I could potentially be looking at a strip mall, a gas station, a tire store, or, the worst, an adult business,” the letter from Szczechowicz said.

The proposed supermarket and pharmacy would be located at 33 Somersworth Road, near the intersection of routes 9 and 4.

The Community Center on Lebanon Road held a crowd of North Berwick citizens, many who stood to speak.

“Obviously, you can tell that I’m not happy with the zoning change process to date. Changes were proposed without consulting the comprehensive plan. The changes had so many conflicts with our comprehensive plan that our town manger had to come up with an alternative proposal. He recognized that the Planning Board’s proposal would never be elected. Expansion of our commercial districts is not needed. There is 77 percent potential percentage increase and 14 sites available,” said North Berwick resident Rick Stambaugh.

Stambaugh also presented a list of reasons at the public hearing why a majority of North Berwick residents greatly opposed the change in their area.

“The proposed changes directly conflict with our comprehensive plan by encouraging expansion along routes 4 & 9, which will gut our downtown. There hasn’t been enough deliberation of the multiple proposals and their consequences. It’s time to slow down and get it right,” said Stambaugh.

Voices at the public hearing reached out to the Planning Board stating municipal officials should not be degrading the town to suit Hannaford’s request and that the supermarket chain should meet standing requirements.

Two zoning proposals were brought to the public’s attention at the hearing: To expand the three commercial zones or allow certain changes to the commercial zone. According to the public statement given at hearing: “The Commercial Zones in the Town of North Berwick are proposed to be expanded to allow for additional commercial opportunities, enhance local tax base and increase the availability of local employment. The commercial zones should remain close to the village on Routes 4 and 9, north and east of the village closest to the interstate highway. But on further review, this does not allow for larger scale development due to the lack of available land and the current residential uses that exist on these land areas. The Planning Board has also proposed expanding the commercial zones north and east of the current boundaries to provide additional land for commercial growth opportunities.”

The Town Manager, Dwayne Morin, then presented his alternative proposal that he believes is simpler and has fewer conflicts with the comprehensive plan.

Morin’s proposal will prohibit large scale stores, adult businesses, medical marijuana facilities, drive-thru franchises and restrict drive-thru restaurants to expand other than what the current zoning allows.

The Planning Board has considered a change to the commercial zone proposal that states they will increase the three commercial zones in town and hold a town vote.

Both proposals suggest that expansion will be done. The question remains: which proposal will be brought forward?

On Thursday, Feb. 7, a meeting will be held to decide which proposal will be brought to the town selectmen and the voters of North Berwick.